• The Darkening Age

  • The Christian Destruction of the Classical World
  • By: Catherine Nixey
  • Narrated by: Lalla Ward
  • Length: 9 hrs and 19 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (60 ratings)

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The Darkening Age  By  cover art

The Darkening Age

By: Catherine Nixey
Narrated by: Lalla Ward
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Publisher's summary

In The Darkening Age, Catherine Nixey tells the little-known - and deeply shocking - story of how a militant religion deliberately tried to extinguish the teachings of the Classical world, ushering in unquestioning adherence to the 'one true faith'.

The Roman Empire had been generous in embracing and absorbing new creeds. But with the coming of Christianity, everything changed. This new faith, despite preaching peace, was violent, ruthless and intolerant. And once it became the religion of empire, its zealous adherents set about the destruction of the old gods. Their altars were upturned, their temples demolished and their statues hacked to pieces. Books, including great works of philosophy and science, were consigned to the pyre. It was an annihilation.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2018 Catherine Nixey (P)2018 Macmillan Digital Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What listeners say about The Darkening Age

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Fascinating dive into fanaticism

Excellent listen on how the zealotry and fanaticism of the early Christian church and what was lost as a result.
And the PR spun the in-power church leaders over the following centuries.
I especially liked the analysis of the martyrs and the fear of contamination from the ‘demons’ of the pagan gods/worship.
Has parallels to the modem era, naturally. And sadly we keep seeing this behaviour again and again.
Recommended reading.

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Eye-opening

This book has changed my view on Christianity, its influence over culture and custom today and the roman empire considerably. Some of the parallels to today's world are scary and remind the reader that history repeats itself. We must remain a curious and questioning society!

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interesting view point

I was always wondering way from 5th century empire collapse now I got understand able explanation.

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Eye opening book and superb performance

I absolutely loved it and truly learned a lot. The diction and performance by the narrator was perfection. Hope to listen to more from the author and the narrator

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The Original ISIS

Changes the way that we view the Dark Ages - from being one caused by the fall of the Roman empire to the result of freedom of thought, speech and pluralism being snuffed out by the evils of monotheism. Reading the reviews of this book it is only Christians taking umbrage giving negative reviews. At least these days they have been tempered by secularism and they can no longer burn us...

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Good story, rather subjective at times

Feel like the base pattern was established prior to the writing. Christianity did this! It did but would have liked a more objective story, not a story solely subjective. It is not bad, learned a lot. But wanted more..

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1 person found this helpful